A Picnic can be defined as a family tradition, holiday gathering, or a romantic expression. There is a sense of intimacy and comfort in this social gathering. With summer right around the corner, we find ourselves preparing hastily for this overwhelmingly popular social pastime. American tradition finds a picnic at nearly every summer holiday. From Memorial Day, Labor Day, to July 4th, our summer celebrations are defined by a picnic table and covered dishes. What about a little change in scenery? Not taking away the traditions or Holiday itself, just simply “introducing” another culture's themes and tasty dishes into your own backyard. Welcome this summer with a “Picnic in Tuscany.”
Before we get into the tasty foods and fancy décor of a Tuscan style picnic, let us briefly look into the history of this Italian region. Toscana (Italian for Tuscany) is one of twenty regions in Italy. Preserved through the Renaissance, Tuscany emerged as a major cultural center that now offers museums, galleries, and painting from historical artists like Leonardo Da Vinci, and Michelangelo. It welcomes millions of tourists world-wide. Now, let's extract some cultural elements from this fascinating culture and place in to your very own backyard.
There is something undeniably relaxing and soothing when it comes to basking in the evening sun surrounded by loved ones. The overall theme of the Tuscan Picnic is entirely up to the host. It can be as fancy and elegant as one desires. The tablecloth will set the foundation for the setting. A light beige or cream colored cloth will give a soft and elegant look. A deep red or champagne colored table cloth will provide a more intense, intimate setting. I suggest that you use contrasting colors for the place setting and table top decor. This will add dimension to the visual setup and help create the overall mood of the event.
The decor should add elegance to your table. However, too much decor can look cluttered. Keep these items simplistic, yet be sure to choose that which contributes to the overall mood of your event. Items such as candles and flowers give the set-up a soft and cozy mood. Placing glass candle holders over lighted candles adds a bit of soft elegance to the setting.
Additionally, it will keep the wick burning against the evening winds while also creating a romantic glow as the sun retires for the night.
In creating the menu, it is a good idea to plan it out step by step. Make sure you choose recipes that you are comfortable cooking as well as serving. Italian cuisine contains endless options that fit every kind of picnic theme. It's a great time of year to include fresh, in season ingredients. Fresh ripe tomatoes, garden vegetables and fruit are just few ingredients that contribute to a healthy nutritious meal. Also, swapping regular pasta for whole-wheat pasta adds fiber and protein to the Entrée.
In Italy, the meals begin with an antipasto, or appetizer. This is followed by the 'primi' (or first course), and is usually the main course. Perfect for an outdoor picnic would be an a cold pasta dish or pasta salad or Italian rice salad (page X in The Basic Art of Italian Cooking). Then of course the 'secondi' (or second course), which may be a meat course like a Tuscan Roasted Chicken with Roasted Potatoes as your 'contorni'(or side dish). The final course, dessert, can leave you with endless options in which to choose. A nice light refreshing choice is something made with fresh fruit like Fragole con Limone (or fresh strawberries with lemon).
Whatever you decide to include in your Tuscany picnic, don't forget the reason of the occasion. When the company and presence of your guests remain the most important ingredient, your Tuscany picnic will ultimately be nothing short of a success.
